Olympia Wine Bar Opens (on Tuesday, 2/26)
February 22nd, 2013
(Photo by ceonyc on Instagram)
Olympia Wine Bar’s official opening is on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Karen Johnson, who co-owns 68 Jay Street Bar is also opening Olympia Wine Bar less than half a block apart. We caught up with Karen at 68 Jay Street Bar who told us, “The neighborhood needs more places where people can gather and enjoy a drink. I know people are hoping for more food options, and I would love to provide that. But Olympia’s small kitchen will be turning out small plates with room for growth. We’ll be serving appetizers such as cheeses and crostinis to start.”
We mentioned in a previous post that Olympia, in a nod to Dumbo’s history, was the name given to the waterfront community in the late 1700s. And speaking of community, Karen has been deeply involved in the neighborhood for a long time as a resident, local business owner, holds board positions with the Dumbo Improvement District, and represents Community Board 2. 68 Jay Street Bar has been open for 9 years, bringing live music, cocktails, and community together. Olympia Wine Bar is a new chapter for Dumbo with what will be its own distinct vibe. Come check it out and welcome Olympia Wine Bar!
Olympia Wine Bar
54 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (at Water Street in Dumbo)
Daily hours: 4pm-midnight
Previously:
{Olympia Wine Bar at 54 Jay Street, 11feb2013}
{Owner of 54 Jay Street Looking to Open Wine Bar, 04Jun2012}
{Ajimas Grocery on Jay Street Closed, 14Apr2011}
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:57 am
Welcome, Olympia!
February 22nd, 2013 at 2:00 pm
“The neighborhood needs more places where people can gather and enjoy a drink.”
sorry – the neighborhood actually has plenty of those. what the neighborhood needs is a diner, a chinese restaurant, and an alternative to peas and pickles.
that being said, good luck with your new venture!
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:31 pm
@Joe, prior to Olympia, the neighborhood had precisely 3 places to get a drink. Superfine, Rebar, and 68 Jay St. I agree we desperately need more casual dining options but more bars (and the nabes first winebar) are also welcome.
Look forward to trying Olympia.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:51 pm
If the neighborhood is a 1 block neighborhood, then Superfine, reBar, and 68 Jay would be it.
But what about the following that are all close by? (If I have forgotten anyone…sorry)
66 Water Street
AlMar
7 Old Fulton
Gran Electrica
Hillside
Vinegar Hill House
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:40 pm
@Adam – I forgot Gran Electra. Hillside is a bit far. The others are restaurants and not really places you pop in for a drink. Arguably, Gran Electra isn’t a drinks spot either but i’ll give it to you.
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:21 am
EXCELLENT! Love the new place guys.
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:13 am
Let’s be happy that its not a pizzeria, cupcake shop, cookie shop, clothing store, yogurt shop, or some other dumb ass store that absolutely no sense.
Bring it on Olympia!!!
February 23rd, 2013 at 11:07 am
*makes no sense*
February 24th, 2013 at 10:43 am
restaurants require a big investment and a lot of capital. it’s a big risk even in a neighborhood like dumbo. and there’s not exactly a ton of worthy commercial space in dumbo-proper. maybe one of you that constantly complain about the cupcake shops and coffee house (low capital, low risk) pony up and start a new restaurant?
good luck olympia! we’re happy you’re here!!! (well most of us…)
February 24th, 2013 at 10:55 am
I’m also looking fwd to Olympia. Yes, DUMBO needs more food options, but a neighborhood gathering place like this is great too. Maybe Karen is open to a food partnership (like the one between 68 Jay Bar and Wild Rise pizza, which btw is the best pizza in Dumbo by far.)
March 4th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
So is Olympia open yet? I don’t see a yelp listing and haven’t had a chance to go by that block, so I’m wondering if things got delayed? Would love to check it out this weekend! It’s true that Dumbo needs a lot of things, but I think a wine bar is a good latest addition to the neighborhood.